The government has launched several initiatives leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance crop productivity, sustainability, and farmers' income. These technologies are helping address various challenges in the agricultural sector. Some key initiatives, including ‘Kisan E-Mitra,’ are outlined below:
‘Kisan E-Mitra’ is an AI-powered voice chatbot developed to assist farmers with queries related to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme. Available in 11 regional languages, this chatbot is also being upgraded to provide information on other government schemes. Currently, it handles over 20,000 farmer queries daily and has answered more than 9.2 million queries so far.
The National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) has been developed to mitigate crop losses caused by climate change. Using AI and Machine Learning (ML) technologies, this system identifies pest infestations in crops and helps implement timely preventive measures. More than 10,000 agricultural extension workers utilize this system. Farmers can upload pest images for analysis, enabling early detection and response. At present, NPSS supports 61 crops and over 400 pest species.
Satellite-Based Crop Monitoring System: The government is developing an AI-powered crop analysis system using satellite imaging and field photography. This technology aids in crop-climate matching and real-time crop monitoring, providing farmers with crucial insights to improve agricultural yield and productivity. These AI and IoT-driven innovations are playing a crucial role in transforming Indian agriculture, ensuring better efficiency, sustainability, and financial security for farmers.
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